New CEO for dealership group

A Wellington-based dealership group has appointed only its third chief executive officer in more than three decades of operating.

Derek Tilyard has taken up the top post at Rutherford & Bond Toyota and King Toyota and brings 20 years of experience with the business to the role.

Rutherford & Bond and King Toyota have represented the Japanese marque in the Wellington region since 1991. It has branches in Kapiti, Porirua, Wellington Central, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, and employs more than 170 people.

Tilyard joined Rutherford & Bond Toyota’s finance and insurance team in 2003 before becoming new vehicle manager two years later.

He has also been Wellington sales manager, general sales manager for the group and in 2019 was promoted to branch manager of Rutherford & Bond.

Tilyard, pictured above, says: “I’m thrilled to lead the company into an exciting future and I will continue to build upon the great culture we have created across the business and ensure we represent the Toyota brand to the highest possible standard.”

He replaces Hunter Mitchell, who began his career at Rutherford & Bond Toyota in 1991 and will remain with the business as managing director.

Mitchell, pictured below, adds the timing was right for the leadership transition and he will now focus on “supporting the business in a more strategic capacity”.